Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Heart Full of Love

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

Good morning, boys and girls. Today, we are going to talk about the most important event since the beginning of time. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

As all of you know, Jesus was crucified and died on the cross. His friends and followers were so sad.  They felt like life was over. They took Jesus down from the cross and buried him in a tomb that was probably more like a cave, because that is how people were buried in Jerusalem in those days. Perhaps that cave looked a little like this. (hold the heart flat so that the door is in front and it looks like a door in a rock or a cave. It does look a little bit like a cave with a door in it and kids believe you when you say it looks like a cave, right???)

On Easter morning, some women who were followers of Jesus went to the cave to put spices on Jesus' body. They were so sad too, because they knew Jesus was dead and they have loved him so much. But when they looked inside the tomb, what did they find?!!

(The kids aren't dummies, they will tell you that the tomb was empty.)

"Oh no! (Carefully pop open the heart where it is stapled and open up the big heart, holding it up for the children to see the "heart-that-was-an-empty-cave.") That cave wasn't empty at all! It was FULL of Jesus' love for us! He loved us SO much, he died on the cross for each and every one of us, and when he rose from the dead, he left an empty tomb FULL of his love.

Dear Jesus, we thank you today for a tomb that seemed to be empty, but was full of your love for us. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 God’s Love Letter

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38

On Tuesday, we celebrated a special holiday. What was that holiday? That’s right! It was Valentine’s Day. I like Valentine’s Day because it is a time when everyone stops what they’re doing in their busy and hurried lives, and they tell the people who are important to them that they love them!

Most people do more than just TELL those special people that they love them—they DO something to show their love for them. The might give them a fun gift like this teddy bear. They might give them a special valentine’s card, or they might prepare a special meal for their sweetheart. They might even write a love letter to their sweetheart.

Did you know that God has written a love letter to each one of you? The Bible is God’s love letter for us. The Bible tells us that God created each of us, and that He loves all of us no matter what! It doesn’t matter how many mistakes we make or what kinds of bad choices we make, God will still love us.

God loves us SO much that he sent His son Jesus to live and walk here on the Earth. During his years of ministry, Jesus taught us a great deal about love. Still today, Jesus teaches us that it is not only important to love others, but it is also important to show our love for others.

In the Bible, we find a verse where Jesus said this: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

Isn’t it great that we have this amazing love letter, the Bible, to remind us that God loves us and to show us how to love others through the examples of Jesus Christ?

Boys and girls, I know that there are many people in your life that you love. I hope that you will do more than just TELL those people that you love them. I hope you will find ways to SHOW those people that you love them EVERY DAY! And I also want you each of you to remember that God has sent YOU a love letter, and in that letter, God promises that He will love you—NO MATTER WHAT!

PRAYER: God of Love, we thank you for giving us the greatest love letter of all—the Bible. Help us to use that love letter as a reminder of how much you love us. Help us also to find ways to love others as Jesus has loved us. In Jesus’ Precious Name we Pray,  AMEN

[Soldier4Christ]

 God's Team

If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31b

Today there will be a big football game on TV. Does anyone know what it is called? (Children respond).

That’s right - the Super Bowl. I’m going to be rooting for the Steelers to win. (Explain why). Can some of you tell me why you might like a certain team - in any sport? It doesn’t have to be football. (Children respond).

Some people say that they may like a certain team because it is a “winning team,” which means that it wins most or all of its games. Did you know that you are part of a winning team? That’s right; it’s called God’s Team. If you’ve asked Jesus into your heart to be your Savior and Lord, you are a part of God’s Team!

Every team has a coach who guides them and helps them to do what they need to do to win the game. We’ve got the best coach ever-God! He always helps us to do what we need to do to live our lives the right way.

A football team has the plans that they need to play the game in its playbook. God has given His plans for our lives in His playbook – the Bible.

Sometimes the game doesn’t go the way the players want it to. They get knocked down, or make a mistake and drop the ball. They can get hit from behind when they don't expect it. The players sometimes even get hurt. Our lives can be like that too, but we have teammates (others who have asked Jesus into their hearts) to help to pick us up, brush us off, and help us finish the game. In the end we will always win, because we are on God’s Team. Someday we will go to Heaven and live forever with Him, and that’s even better than winning the Super Bowl!

Dear Lord, thank you for always being with us to help and guide us in all that we do, and for giving others to help us as well. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Gift of Love

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name." Luke 1:46-49 (NIV)

One of my favorite movies is "The Sound of Music." In that movie, there is a song called "My Favorite Things." Some of you may have seen the movie and you may know that song. If so, you will remember that the character named Maria, sings about her "favorite things." One of the things that she mentions in that song is "brown paper packages tied up with string." A package like this one. (Hold up the package wrapped in brown paper.)

On Christmas morning, we will wake up to find a lot of packages under the tree.  Packages wrapped in brightly colored paper and tied up with pretty ribbons and bows. What if there was one package under the tree wrapped in plain brown paper tied up with string -- and what if that package had your name on it?  Would that be the package you would choose to open first? I don't think so! After all, a gift is supposed to come in a beautiful package, isn't it?

You know, I think that is why a lot of people have missed out on the gift that God sent to them. You see, God's Gift didn't come in a beautifully wrapped package. God sent Jesus, His only Son, as His gift to us. His mother was a young virgin... his earthly father was a poor carpenter... he was born in a stable. Not a very pretty package, is it? But do you know what? It was the greatest gift the world has ever known. It was the gift of salvation and it had your name on it... and yours... and yours... and mine!

The Bible tells us that when Mary found out that she had been chosen to be the one to deliver God's gift to the world, she was filled with joy. She sang a song glorifying God for choosing her.

"The Mighty One has done great things for me," she sang.

Well, the Mighty One has done great things for us too. He has sent us the gift of His love, but some people are so busy unwrapping the beautifully wrapped packages that this world offers that they have missed out on the greatest gift. Maybe it is because it came wrapped in brown paper tied up with string.

Dear Father, we are thankful that you loved us so much that you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Real Super Hero

Mark 9:2-9

 

When we think of a Super Hero we often think of Super Man, Bat Man or Spider Man.  They all look very normal but each of them can change into a super hero with super powers.

Oh, you know I just thought of another super hero. Can you guess who it is?  It's Jesus!

You see Jesus also looked very normal, in fact that is why many people didn't believe he was a King. But one day on a mountain top he changed. He appeared as a real super hero.

You know Super Man and Bat Man are make believe with make believe powers.  But Jesus is Real with Real powers!

And it's nice to know that we have a Real Super Hero watching out for us.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Symbols of Faith

Various Scriptures

Today I want to talk with you about symbols. Do you know what a symbol is?  (Might say that a STOP sign is a symbol or a cross is a symbol). Are symbols the real thing? No, it is something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship or resemblance.

Today we are going to observe two ordinances of the church. (Have picture showing Jesus being baptized) The first is baptism. Baptism is a symbol of burying our sins and being raised from the water to new life. Was Jesus baptized? Yes, in the river Jordan by John. After Jesus’ baptism the Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove. The dove was a visible symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The next ordinance we will observe is communion or the Lord’s Supper. (Have a picture of the last supper) Jesus shared this supper with his disciples just before he was to die on the cross. What was the bread a symbol of? (His body) What was the juice a symbol of? (His blood)

We have been wishing for a good snow but we haven’t really had a good one yet. I really was hoping to go sledding and make a good snowman. It’s fun to be out in the snow. Looks like we might just have to enjoy snowmen this year in books, on television, or by even make a pretend one like mine. (Display made snowman – I used poster board with batting attached to give it that fluffy look) When you see or think of a snowman, I’d like you to see him as a symbol.  A symbol of the trinity of God.  Here’s a little poem to help you:

The Trinity Snowman
By: Maureen Spell

When you see a snowman
Three snowballs round,
He is reminding you
That in God, Three in One are found.

The bottom reminds us of God the Father,
Our strong rock and foundation,
The Creator of all living things,
People, tribes and nations.

The middle shows us God the Son
With His arms spread open wide.
Who died on the cross for each of us
Our sins Jesus’ blood did hide.

The head reminds us of God the Holy Spirit
Who is our counselor and friend,
He speaks to our hearts and minds
Transforming us in the likeness of Him.

So when you see a snowman
In the midst of all the wintertime fun,
Listen carefully and he’ll tell you,
“Remember God is Three in One”

Point to the parts as you review: God the Father – creator of all
God the Son – who loved us enough to die for us
God the Holy Spirit – our constant friend and guide

Let’s pray: Thank you Father for your love for us and for knowing that you are always with us.  In Christ we pray. Amen

[Soldier4Christ]

 Bob the Unmerciful

Matthew 18:21-35

Bob: (singing) Allelu, allelu, alleluia praise ye the Lord, allelu, allelu,

Fred: Hey Bob !!

Bob: ooh ahhhhhhh! Man, you gotta give me some kind of a warning before you sneak up me.

Fred: Yeah well, I think I’ve given you enough warnings about another little item we need to straighten out.

Bob: Yeah, I know . I guess you’re talking about that money I owe you, what was it $5 or something?

Fred: 5 bucks!! Have you’ve been eating moldy toast or something? Try $50 bucks, since 2nd grade.

Bob: 2nd grade...  You’d think that was a hundred years ago or something.

Fred: Uh, Bob

Bob: Yes?

Fred: We’re in college!

Bob: Who’s counting?

Fred: Well, I’ve got to have this money or else.

Bob: Or else what?

Fred: Or else I’ll have to sell your X Box games you left at my house.

Bob: You wouldn’t!

Fred: Watch me!

Bob: You couldn’t!

Fred: (picks up phone) Yes operator, could you please give me the number to game stop?

Bob: No, Fred nooooo, (sobbing and crying at Fred’s feet) You (sniff) can’t (sniff) take (Sniff) my(sniff) gamehames(sniffffff)

Fred: Bob, you’re scaring me , get a hold of yourself.

Fred: Listen Bob, I can’t stand to see a grown puppet cry so stop your snorting, I’m just going to forget about the $50, just pretend it didn’t happen. On one condition.

Bob: What’s that Fred?

Fred: Wipe your boogers off my shoes.

Bob: Oh thank you Fred, (wiping his shoes) ooh hold on I missed a spot, it’s the sticky kind you know.

Fred: That’s good, Bob.

Bob: (walks down the road and spots Taquito the man who owes him 14 cents)

Bob: Hey Taquito!

Taquito: Hey Roberto!

Bob: I was kind of wondering when you were going get around to paying me that 14 cents you owe me. I’ve got a hankering for a snickers bar, if you know what I mean. I need to be satisfied.

Taquito: Well, Bob I know I owe you 14 cents, but I will have to give it to next week, I needed it to buy some medicine, my sister has a real bad cold. I am afraid I am all out of money until next Tuesday.

Bob: TUESDAY!!! Boo Hoo Hoo, You wasted my money on a little cold. Don’t you even care that I can only be satisfied by that rich mixture of caramel and peanuts, topped with a chocolate coating of perfection, have you no mercy?

Taquito: Look I feel for you Bob and I truly am sorry, I hope you can forgive me. Be patient with me and I will pay you back.

Bob: I will do no such thing. You leave me no choice but to march down to your house and take the medicine away from your sister until you have repaid me IN FULL!!

Bob: I now have the medicine in my possession. We’ll see how long it takes him to come up with my money now.

Fred: Hey Bob!

Bob: Oh, hi old sticky shoes, just kidding, what’s up Fred?

Fred: I just heard a rumor through the grapevine that you took Taquito’s sister’s medicine, because he owed you 14 cents. Is this true?

Bob: Well duh, I’m gonna give it back as soon as he pays me.

Fred: Well listen to me Bob, I showed mercy on you when you asked me, you should have mercy on Taquito just as I had mercy for you. Now I will take your games until you have paid me back the whole amount you owe me.

Taquito: (Talking to the audience) This is what Jesus said about people who are unmerciful: My Father in heaven will treat you in the same way that Fred treated Bob, if you are like Bob and do not forgive your brothers from your heart.

The End

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Monarch Butterfly

Luke 2:52; "And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

I have a picture to show you today. Who can tell me what you see in this picture? Yes, its a butterfly and a worm. But this isn't just any butterfly of just any worm. The butterfly is called a Monarch butterfly. It is one of God's most beautiful creations. The worm is actually a caterpillar. It is a monarch butterfly in its first stage, before it grows up. The caterpillar looks like a nasty worm, doesn't it. But it will change into a butterfly. First it spins a cocoon around itself. Then it rests in the cocoon while its body changes from that of a caterpillar to a butterfly. God knows that the caterpillar become a butterfly. and even thought the caterpillar looks totally unlike the beautiful monarch. God knows its potential for beauty.

The same is true of us as people. Other people may look at you and see only a boy or girl. But God sees what else you can become. The Bible tells us that Jesus pleased God as He grew up to be a man. Luke 2:52 tells us that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature(or size) and in favor with God and man. God expects you to grow up and change just like Jesus did. He expects you to increase in wisdom by learning a lot at school and at church. God expects you to be healthy in the way you eat and exercise so your body will increase in size. and He expects you to try to please your heavenly father as well as people here on earth.

Someday you will change from a child into an adult just as the caterpillar changes into a butterfly. Let's ask God to help you make that change in a way that will be pleasing to him.

Prayer: As we grow up, we ask that you would help us become boys and girls that would please our heavenly father.  Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 A Bird Story

"The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."  Luke 3:11 (NIV)

It was one hot summer day. A lone bird wanted to experience the time of his life: have a nice, good bath and indulge into a fine dining. Armed with desire and craving, he headed for a beautiful spot. He landed by the blue, calm lake nearby the village. And viola, it was teeming with fish!

He immediately plunged his beak into the water and after a second, a fish was seen. He took it into his mouth and …. “That was luscious,” he commented.

He started for a Second…. Third…. Fourth….  Numerous rounds of diving and eating followed, and despite the fact that his tummy was already full, he was not satisfied. He was actually hankering for more.

Soon after, many birds of his kind joined in. They also started diving and eating…. Diving and eating….Diving and eating… Boy, what an appetite!

And when the lone bird saw this, he immediately sidetracked every one of them.  He ran after them, one after another, flying to and fro to distract their attention but there were many of them! Some of the birds did the diving; others did the flying while the other group just stood by. The multitude of birds grouped themselves into three!

When the lone bird was the gazing birds diving, he began to chase them, so the birds on standby did the diving part. When the lone bird saw it, he was very angry that he trailed after them and again the flying group put into position of diving and still the lone bird pursued them.

By this time, it was getting dark nevertheless the chasing continued. Unfortunately, he cannot convince the birds to fly into other lakes to do their hunt. He realized he cannot continue the chasing, so he immediately withdrew himself from the crowd feeling tired, exhausted and mad.

Sometimes, we are like the lone bird. We wanted to have more and yet not satisfied. We began to crave for more until our desires be fulfilled. And if people around us want to have their shares, we become nutty that we drive them away. Not knowing that the lake of blessings is too big for us!

Dear Lord, please help us to be satisfied with all the things we get. Help us to share with the needy ones, the poor and the less fortunate. Help us to put a smile on each person’s face through giving and sharing, In Jesus’ Name, Amen….

[Soldier4Christ]

 Worshiping Idols

Do not turn to idols or make gods of cast metal for yourselves. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:4.

Do any of you have something that’s really special to you? If so how special is it? (after the kids answer)

It’s alright to have something that’s special to you, just don’t allow it to become more important than God. That even means your mom and dad.  I don’t mean for you to stop loving your mom and dad -- just be sure to put God first.

Objects like this bill (the fake 20, 50, or 100 dollar bill) could become more important to us than God. You might even have a hobby that you put before God.  Anything that you put before God becomes a sin. In the Bible, God says,“Do not turn to idols or make gods of cast metal for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:4)

Dear Father, we give you first place in our life.  Help us to keep anything from becoming more important to us than You.  Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

In My Father's House

"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" Luke 2:49 (NIV)

Have you ever misplaced something?  Of course you have.  We have all done that, haven't we?  Perhaps we were reading a book and put it down and then later couldn't remember where we put it.  Maybe we were watching television and couldn't remember where we put the remote control.  I have even put my coffee cup in the microwave oven and later couldn't remember where it was.  What do we do when we misplace something?  We usually retrace our steps to all of the places we have been until we find it.

Our Bible lesson today is about some parents who misplaced something.  Now, these weren't just any parents -- it was Mary and Joseph -- the parents of Jesus.  Mary and Joseph didn't misplace something like a book or some keys.  They misplaced Jesus!  Here is how it happened.

Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover.  When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem just as they always did.  After Passover, they began their journey home, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary didn't know it.  They thought he was with some friends or family members who were traveling with them. After they had gone a day's journey, they began to look for Jesus among their relatives and friends, but he wasn't there.  When they couldn't find him, they decided to return to Jerusalem to look for him. After searching for three days, they finally found him.  Guess where he was?  He was in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions.

When Mary and Joseph saw him, they were astonished. His mother asked him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Your father and I were anxiously looking for you."

Jesus answered, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"  You see, even as a child, Jesus knew that he must follow the path that his Father had laid out for him, and at that moment, the most important place for him to be was in his Father's house.

Sometimes you and I may lose Jesus. We get so busy in our daily routine that we never give him a thought. Then, one day we realize that he is missing. Do you know what we need to do when that happens?  We need to retrace our steps and go back to the place we left him. Where do we usually find him?  In his Father's house!

Jesus said it was important for him to be in his Father's house.  It is also important for you and me to be in his Father's house.  Why?  Because His Father's house is our Father's house too!  It is a house of worship, a house of prayer, a house of peace, a house of love, a house of joy. What better place could there be for a child of God than to be in the Father's house?

Dear Father, we have come into your house today to worship you.  Help us to remember that there is no better place for your children to be than to be in your house.  Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Phony Baloney

"The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:4-6 (NIV)

Oscar: (Singing) Lord I lift Your name on high, ‘cause You gave me lots of presents
I’m so glad You’re in my life. I got more stuff than my sister

Inga: Hey Oscar ! You sound happy. What’s up ?

Oscar: I was just thinking about how wonderful it is to be a Christian

Inga: I feel you there brother, it’s great to be a child of God!!

Oscar: Yeah, he’s great !! He made my parents get me an XBOX 360 with four games, and He made my Grandma put $10 in my birthday card. And now my sister’s jealous because I have more stuff then she does, and all she has is a Bratz doll with one leg. Not that I had anything to do with that unfortunate accident. Life is Good!!!

Inga: Heyyyyy! Hold on a minute buster brown. I don’t think God wants your sister to be jealous, and I’m pretty sure He’s not a big fan of XBOX 360 either. Didn’t you just say you were a Christian ?

Oscar: What’s your point ? I prayed for all of that stuff, and it came true. So that must mean that God answered my prayers.

Inga: No, no, no, no, no, nooo ! God wants you to get along with your sister, and He also wants you share your stuff. Let me ask you a question. How did you become a Christian ?

Oscar: That’s easy. I was born in the good old U. S. of A. And the score ladies and gentlemen is……. Oscar 1 Inga 0.

Inga: Oscar, just because you were born in America, doesn’t make you a Christian.

Oscar: OK, well I go to church on Sunday …Dufus, so what is you’re your response to that. America is waiting.

Inga: Well, it’s not my response that counts, it’s what God says in His holy Word. You see anyone can call themselves a Christian, but calling yourself a Christian and being a Christian are two entirely different things. 1 John 2:4-6 talks about this sort of person. If someone says “I belong to God, “ but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey God’s word really do love him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did.

Oscar: Oh, I see. I guess I’ve been wrong all this time. I have disobeyed God’s commandments and I certainly don’t live my life like Jesus did. How can I change all that? How can I become a real Christian?

Inga; It’s easy Oscar, I’m glad you asked me. You see God loves you so much that He sent His only Son Jesus, to be our Savior. Just ask God for forgiveness, believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and on the third day came back to life. And always try to live your life like Jesus did.

Oscar: Wow, that is easy ! I ‘d like to do that.

Inga: All you have to do is ask God, and He always keeps His promises.

Oscar: You know what ? I’m gonna start acting more like Jesus today!!

Inga: how’s that Oscar?

Oscar: I’m going to tell my sister where I buried her Bratz doll leg, and put it back on for her!

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Trinity

Various verses which are listed within the body of the sermon.

How many of you have heard the word, “Trinity?” Do any of you know what that word means? Trinity means three-in-one. We have called the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, a “Holy Trinity.” Have you heard that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are One? It’s hard for us to understand how three different beings are still the same God.

I brought some things to help you understand this. Do any of you know what a Smore is? A smore is a wonderful treat made of three different things. This graham cracker is one part of a s’more. Just like the “Father” is one part of what we call the “Holy Trinity.” It says in 2 Corinthians 6:18, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” This verse is really clear that God is our Father.

Another part of a smore is this chocolate. “The Son,” is another part of what we call “The Holy Trinity.” Who is the Son? That’s right…Jesus. Now, how can Jesus also be God at the same time? It says in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God.” Then in verse 14, it says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” So, if the Word was God, and the Word became flesh and lived on earth with us, we know that it was Jesus. It also says in Colossians 1:15, “He is the image of the invisible God.” And again the Bible says in John 10:30, “I and the Father are One.” Jesus is God in a human form.

The third part of a smore, is a toasted marshmallow. The last part of the “Holy Trinity” is the Holy Spirit God sent the Holy Spirit to us after Jesus went back to Heaven, so we could keep Jesus with us. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within all believers. The Holy Spirit is our teacher and guide. He teaches us truth, and guides us when we stray away from God. It says in 1 John 5:7, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are One.”

When we put these three things together, [show the s’more ingredients] we get a trinity of wonderful flavors to satisfy our taste buds. When we put all of these things together, [show the Trinity], we get the most satisfying treat of all. We get the “Holy Trinity,” and that will satisfy ALL your needs and desires.

Dear Lord, thank you for being everything we could ever need or want. Thank you for being all things, even when we don’t understand everything. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Good Samaritan

On one ocassion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus, “Teacher” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law?” he replied. ”How do you read it?” He answered; ”Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all of your strength and with all of your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. You have answered correctly, ‘ Jesus replied. ‘”Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself , so he asked Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Luke 10:25-29

Introduction:

This puppet skit is lightly based on a parable told by Jesus called the good Samaritan, you can find the parable in Luke 10:25-37.

Script:

Man from Jericho: (whistling) Oh what a great day for a walk to Jerusalem. (two robbers mug him, slamming him to the ground )

ROBBER #1: aha ! I’ll take his wallet, you hold him down

Robber #2: duh, ok boss, I’ll hold him down yes I will.

Robber #1: Hey, he ain’t got no wallet, all he has is a bag of gummy worms.

Robber #2: Gummy worms, woo hooo!! I luv gummy worms boss, can I have some please hah can I have some boss,? GUMMY WORMS ARE DELICIOUS!!!!!

Robber #1: BE QUIETTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!! How are we gonna pay for a hotel in Jerusalem with a bag of gummy worms?

Robber #2 That’s easy boss, I will hug them and squeeze them and keep them warm, and make sure that the gummy worms are safe , you can count on me boss , you can count on me boss, I won’t let these gummy worms go until we get them in the hands of the inn keeper.

Robber #1: The inn keeper won’t take gummy worms for a room, awww... never mind let’s go.

Robber #2: OK Boss whatever you say, can I have the red gummy worms boss ?

Robber #1: I’ll give you the red gummy worms , here, take 'em! (starts hitting him with the bag of worms)

(A Priest is coming down the road)

Priest: Oh my, what a mess, these people will sleep anywhere nowadays, I’ll have to go to the other side of the road tsk, tsk cheerio old chap, have a nice sleep and all that. (snorts)

( A levite passes by)

Levite: Yikes, looks like someone has been robbed and beaten up, I wish I had the time to help him, but I’ve got a very important meeting to get to with the elders of the church, we’re going to the big gladiator match. I’ll say a prayer for you my friend.

(A Samaritan man walks by)

Samaritan: Oh noooo, are you alright? Here let me put some bactine on you, and bandage your wounds, hold on I’ll call 911 for help. We’ll take you to the hospital and I’ll pay the bill, you poor man .

Follow Up:

After Jesus told the parable he asked the expert in the law, which of the three men who passed by was a neighbor to the man who was robbed?

Questions:

Who do you think was the neighbor?
Why?
Have you ever needed help?
Did anyone help you?
Do you help others?

The expert in the law told Jesus that the man who had mercy on the guy who was robbed was the true neighbor. Jesus told the expert to go and do the same.

Memory verse: Luke 10:27

[Soldier4Christ]

 Hiding God's Word in Your Heart

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

Recently I was reading my Bible and I read a verse that was a bit hard to understand. It said, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Well, I know that we call the Bible "The Word of God," but I don't quite understand how I could hide it in my heart.

How do you hide something? To hide something, you put it somewhere so that it is out of sight. Right? That means it is hidden from view.

If I take my Bible and lay it on the organ, is it hidden? No, of course it isn't. It is right there in plain sight. If I take my Bible and put it under my coat, is it hidden? Yes, it is. Now no one can see it.

Well, I understand what it means for something to be hidden, but how do you hide something in your heart? If I were to ask one of you to lay down on the floor, could I put the Bible on your chest and get it into your heart? No, that's silly, isn't it?

What if we went to a doctor? Could a doctor operate and put the Bible in our heart? I suppose he could, but I don't think it would be very good for us to have a Bible in our heart.

If we can't put the Bible in our heart, then what does that verse mean? How does God's Word get into your heart? It gets there when we read and study the Bible every day until we will know it "by heart."

Studies have shown that we must read, hear, or do something six times before it is in your head -- so for the Bible to get from our head to our heart, we need to read the Bible each and every day.

Thank you, God, for your word. Help us to be faithful to read it and to keep it in our heart to be used each day. Amen.